Going back to life as usual

Except it wasn't really life as usual.

The people hadn't really changed. The faces were the same. But I was different.

Ten weeks ago, I had finished work on a Friday as usual. My co-workers had thrown me a baby shower and showered my baby with a ton of well wishes and gifts. So laden with gifts and balloons I went home that Friday. Little did I know my contractions had started during lunch. My water broke Saturday morning and early Sunday morning my son was born. So my maternity started on Monday, two weeks ahead of schedule.

Now ten weeks later, I'm back. My plants had all died since I didn't have the time to arrange for a caretaker. A lot of people were surprised to see me back at work so soon. What can I say, this country is not very friendly to the working mothers. Not getting paid maternity leave makes it very difficult. Despite that, God is good and the summer came and went with a new baby without too much incident. And ten weeks later, I was back at my desk, trying to adapt to my old routine.

It was really nice to be back at work. The realization that my time off was over was disheartening to be sure but then it occurred to me that at the end of the day I get to come home to my son. The glass is what it was, I had the choice to look at it as half empty of full and I chose to view it as half full. I'm not really an optimist so for me this was a first.

I must say, the one person who made the return smooth was my HR Director. She gave me a place where I can privately pump. Yes, I'm breast feeding. I am a firm believer in the benefits of breast feeding and it is a choice I've made for my son. So to be able to continue to do this was a blessing. I'm glad that in the state of New York breastfeeding moms like me does receive support to a degree and our rights are defended by legislations.

That was two weeks ago. It was a rough start returning to work but I've been blessed with a spouse who saw the opportunity to raise our son and be a stay-at-home dad and took it. There is nothing that can replace the peace of mind that comes from knowing your child is being cared for by someone who loves him as much as you.

This new role in my life has given me perspective and this is my way of processing all this. So bare with me. It's not hubris on my part or the need for validation from an unknown reader that I do this. I'm doing this for those friends of mine, near and far who have shared this experience with me and those who have yet to walk this path. Maybe my adventure will inspire some, shed some light for others. Whatever the result, I hope, my dear readers, that you will find this worth reading.